Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is among the most reliable materials in modern medical manufacturing. Its unique combination of biocompatibility, thermal stability, and design flexibility makes LSR the material of choice for everything from implantable devices to wearable sensors. Through LSR molding, manufacturers can produce high-precision components that meet strict regulatory standards while maintaining consistent performance.
Jefferson Rubber Works uses the properties of liquid silicone rubber to help OEMs and engineers create durable, compliant parts that withstand challenging medical environments. Whether the component makes direct contact with human tissue or is used in sterilization-intensive applications, LSR is essential to medical device innovation.
Key Properties of Medical-Grade LSR
Medical LSR meets stringent safety requirements such as USP Class VI and ISO 10993, which ensure its compatibility with human tissue and fluid contact. These standards are vital for critical medical devices, where material safety is non-negotiable.
A standout property of LSR is its ability to perform in extreme environments. It maintains elasticity and tensile strength under high or low temperatures, resists oxidative degradation, and withstands exposure to chemicals. With excellent tear strength and low compression set, LSR remains resilient under repeated stress, making it suitable for long-term implants and wearable technologies.
Its chemical inertness is equally important. Medical LSR does not react with drugs, bodily fluids, or tissues, so it is used in Class II and Class III devices for patient safety. The material’s low modulus provides comfort, which is crucial for skin-contact applications like patches or prosthetics. Plus, its UV and ozone resistance adds versatility and durability in both clinical and mobile healthcare environments.
How LSR Withstands Sterilization Processes
In medical manufacturing, materials need to be able to endure sterilization. LSR tolerates multiple sterilization methods—including autoclaving, gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, and electron-beam processes—without compromising its properties over time.
Unlike many thermoplastics, LSR does not warp, degrade, or lose dimensional accuracy under heat and pressure. It has post-sterilization consistency, which ensures that precision-engineered parts retain their integrity over repeated cleaning cycles.
The hydrophobic surface of LSR also reduces microbial adherence, simplifying cleaning and minimizing contamination risks. This makes it a particularly good option for reusable devices like surgical instruments and fluid management systems, where extended product lifespans directly impact cost efficiency and patient safety.
LSR Molding for High-Precision Components
The manufacturing process of LSR molding serves to enhance the material’s benefits. LSR molding enables components to be produced with exceptionally tight tolerances, often within ±0.05 mm. The material’s low viscosity also allows it to completely fill complex molds, minimizing flash and defects.
These capabilities support the production of highly intricate parts such as catheter tips, seals, diaphragms, and overmolded valves. The precision of LSR injection molding means that even the smallest medical devices meet demanding quality requirements. As a result, LSR molding supports advancements in minimally invasive surgery and diagnostic tools.
Common Medical Applications Using LSR
LSR’s versatility has made it indispensable across a wide range of medical applications, including the following:
- Respiratory and ventilation components. LSR provides clarity, softness, and resilience for respiratory masks, ventilator valves, and oxygen delivery systems.
- Drug-delivery systems. Syringe seals, pump diaphragms, and other components rely on LSR’s chemical resistance for consistent performance.
- Implantable devices. Its biocompatibility and long-term stability make LSR a good option for diaphragms, pacemaker seals, and prosthetics.
- Wearable healthcare devices. From fitness trackers to continuous glucose monitors, LSR offers comfort and skin safety during extended wear.
- Neonatal and pediatric care. Pacifiers, feeding nipples, and other soft components need to be non-toxic and gentle.
Why LSR Remains a Critical Medical Material
With LSR molding, Jefferson Rubber Works turns LSR’s properties into scalable, high-quality components for OEMs and medical engineers. Jefferson Rubber Works pairs material expertise and manufacturing precision to deliver medical-grade parts that meet regulatory requirements and exceed performance expectations.
Ready to explore how LSR can support your next medical project? Contact us today to discuss prototypes, production capabilities, and material solutions tailored to your needs.